Illinois State Genealogical Society Blog

Memorial Day is a great time to honor the military history of our veteran ancestors. Here are some links that offer great opportunities to learn more about your Illinois ancestors' military service! The American Legion lists 8 military museums with virtual exhibits and educational materials, including the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, and the Pritzker Military Museum and Library in Chicago. Fold3 is again offering its yearly FREE access to their collection of more than 550 million military records this weekend, covering conflicts as early as the Revolutionary War. The Illinois State Archives has a must-research collection of nearly a dozen online searchable databases of Illinois veterans, including those who served in the Black Hawk War, Civil War, Mexican War, Spanish-American War, and the war of 1812. The Veteran's Databases also honor those who were listed in the 1929 Illinois Roll of Honor, and provides listings of residents of the Illinois Soldiers an...

Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress. " Illinois & Michigan Canal, Aux Sable Creek Aqueduct, Morris, Grundy County, IL" The Illinois & Michigan Canal just passed its 173rd anniversary in April 2021! Were your ancestors some of those who labored to build this "modern marvel" during the heyday of canal building in the United States? Most of the workers were Irish immigrants. It took 12 years, with construction beginning in 1836, under grueling conditions, plagued by malaria and other major hardships.  Below are links to some recent articles and blogs giving more historical details. WAS YOUR FAMILY INVOLVED? From an April 2021 ALPLM Blog -  https://presidentlincoln.illinois.gov/Blog/Posts/116/Illinois-History/2021/4/The-IM-Canal-A-Modern-Marvel/blog-post/ From an ISGS Spring 2020 Quarterly article by Debra Dudek -  https://ilgensoc.org/upload/files/Publications/isgs_%E2%80%93_spring_2020_CANAL.pdf From an April 2021 Chicago Tribune -  https://www.chicagot...

http://www.newdesignfile.com/post_adult-education-clip-art-icon_67336/ Don't miss our NEW ISGS Quarterly 25-year Index and the NEW Good to Know video (IRAD at NEIU in Chicago)!  NEWLY ADDED: Quarterly 25-year Index Find it by clicking on "Free Databases & Indexes" and it's in the "Miscellaneous" list.  This is a PDF of a book we published in the 90s that indexes the articles published in the first 25 years of the Quarterly. It's free for anyone to view. Enjoy! NEWLY ADDED: Good to Know video - Introduction to IRAD @ NEIU The Good to Know series is a member benefit It is an ongoing effort to assist researchers using archives, libraries and other research facilities in Illinois. Find it by accessing the Members Only * tab, then click "Good to Know Videos" from the list at left. This newest addition covers the IRAD at NEIU in Chicago. Earlier videos offer introductions to the IRADS at NIU, WIU, SIU, and UIS, plus the Illinois State Archives! E...

ISGS Associate member Societies share some Zing for Spring! Don't miss the next ISGS Associates FORUM - May 11, 2021, 7 pm , "Spotlight on Societies: Unique Offerings and Best Practices".  Contact isgssocieties@ilgensoc.org for more info. MORE SPRING ZING: St Clair County Genealogical Society The St Clair County Genealogy Society announces the debut of its online book store, fulfilling one of the goals set out in their Publications Digital Plan adopted in January. The Shop link is displayed in the upper right menu on SCCGS's public website. Of the 34 books in the Shop, some will be a downloadable PDF (readable with free Acrobat Reader), some are still available only in print, and a few may be offered as a choice of either PDF or print.  Each may be paid for by credit card or PayPal account on that secure site. Quarterly issues, unfortunately, must still be purchased with a check. Those who want to purchase by check will have a limited selection as the stock of print...

Happy 16th Anniversary to the ALPLM! On Monday April 19th, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will be celebrating their 16th anniversary by offering free admission! One lucky visitor will win a gift basket filled with Lincoln goodies! CLICK HERE to reserve your tickets! Learn about the Great Lakes' connection to the Underground Railroad The Center for Great Lakes Literacy has a terrific educational program about the Great Lakes connection to the Underground Railroad.   Students and adults alike can benefit from these resources and learn more about the important part of American history. Upcoming events from our Member Societies Join the DuPage county Genealogical Society at their next Zoom meeting on Wednesday, April 21st. Mike Karsen will present "Introduction to Jewish Genealogy." CLICK HERE to learn more and register! The Kane County Genealogical Society will host their next webinar meeting on Thursday, April 22nd. Suzan Bates will present, "Gen...

Upcoming Events from our Member Societies Our friends at the North Suburban Genealogical Society will host their next Zoom meeting this Saturday, April 10th, at 1:00pm. Laurel Mellien will discuss the interesting history behind "Cemetery Symbolism."  Explore the rich symbolism displayed in cemeteries of the Victorian Era. Headstone art during this time period was carefully chosen by family members to properly represent the deceased. Many clues about the lives of the dearly departed can be discovered by learning the language of cemetery art symbolism. CLICK HERE for more info and to register! CAGGNI will hold their next Zoom webinar on Saturday April 17th at 10:30 am. Jeffrey Bockman will help you plan your next research trip with "Genealogy Vacation- Myth or Reality?" "Genealogy" and "Vacation" are rarely used in the same sentence let alone together except possibly in a divorce proceeding. You cannot resolve five to 20 years worth of genealogy ...

Chicago is a remarkable city with a remarkable history. With the rise of railroads and the city’s position on Lake Michigan, the city had grown rapidly in the years before 1871, when the population of more than 300,000 included many immigrants from Ireland, Germany, and Eastern European countries. But on October 8,1871, the Great Chicago Fire swept the city, killing more than 300 people and destroying thousands of buildings. After the disaster, Chicagoans built back bigger and better than before, creating the world-class city it remains today. In the Fall issue of the Quarterly, we would like to feature the stories of Chicagoans who lived through this frightening event. If your ancestors were among them, please consider writing and submitting their stores. · Were they recent immigrants to the city? · Did they live in the area where the fire started? · Or did they come to Chicago to help rebuild the city after the fire? · Did their families stay in Chicag...